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Hair Colorist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Metropolis Salon

Hair Stylist Colorist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

C. | $70,000 - $100,000+ Earning Potential Are you a master stylist colorist who has outgrown your ... We don't just color hair; we curate confidence for DC's most influential individuals. We are ...

Metropolis Salon

Hair Stylist Colorist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

C. | $70,000 - $100,000+ Earning Potential Are you a master stylist colorist who has outgrown your ... We don't just color hair; we curate confidence for DC's most influential individuals. We are ...

Metropolis Salon

Hair Stylist Colorist

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

C. | $70,000 - $100,000+ Earning Potential Are you a master stylist colorist who has outgrown your ... We don't just color hair; we curate confidence for DC's most influential individuals. We are ...

CUALTZIN SALON LLC

Hairstylist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

... colorist to join our dynamic team. Your primary responsibilities are understanding clients needs and crafting hair styles and colors that enhance their natural beauty. With a steady stream of loyal ...

CUALTZIN SALON LLC

Hairstylist

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

... colorist to join our dynamic team. Your primary responsibilities are understanding clients needs and crafting hair styles and colors that enhance their natural beauty. With a steady stream of loyal ...

Life Time, Inc.

LifeSpa-Stylist/Colorist

Arlington, VA · On-site

Position Summary The Stylist provides various hair services and treatments that improve the guest's overall sense of well-being and enhances the club experience. Some services include haircuts, perms ...

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Hair Colorist information

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How much do hair colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair colorist in Washington is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges hair colorists face when working with clients who want dramatic color changes?

Hair colorists often encounter challenges when clients request dramatic color changes, such as going from dark to light shades or achieving bold fashion colors. These transformations can require multiple sessions to maintain hair health and achieve the desired result. Communicating realistic expectations, assessing hair condition, and selecting appropriate products and techniques are all crucial. Additionally, colorists must stay updated on the latest trends and safety protocols to ensure client satisfaction and minimize damage.

What is a hair colorist?

A hair colorist helps their clients achieve enhanced, color-treated hairstyles or looks. They alter the tint or color of various textures of hair by skillfully applying reactive chemicals with a brush and determining how long it needs to set. Many hair colorists mix their own formulas to ensure their coloring is unique. A hair colorist or hair color specialist works in a salon and builds up clientele through networking and referrals. They keep up with current hairstyle trends as well as knowledge of new equipment, coloring products, and techniques. Most importantly, they’re able to listen to, understand, and fulfill clients’ requests. Like makeup or other areas of cosmetology, practicing hair coloring requires a state license.

What is the difference between Hair Colorist vs Hair Stylist?

AspectHair ColoristHair Stylist
CredentialsCosmetology license, specialized color trainingCosmetology license, general styling training
Work EnvironmentSalons, color-focused settingsSalons, barbershops, freelance
Industry UsageColor application, highlighting, bleachingHaircuts, styling, blowouts

While both Hair Colorists and Hair Stylists work in salons and require cosmetology licenses, Hair Colorists specialize in coloring techniques like highlighting and bleaching. Hair Stylists offer a broader range of services including cuts and styling. The main difference lies in their focus: color application versus overall hair styling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hair colorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hair Colorist, you need strong knowledge of hair coloring techniques, color theory, and hair health, typically gained through cosmetology school and state licensure. Familiarity with professional hair color brands, mixing and application tools, and salon management systems is important for daily operations. Excellent communication, creativity, and customer service skills help build client trust and deliver personalized results. These skills ensure safe, high-quality color services and foster client satisfaction and retention in a competitive industry.

What does a hair colorist do?

A Hair Colorist is a professional who specializes in changing or enhancing the color of clients' hair. They consult with clients to determine the best shades and techniques based on hair type, skin tone, and desired results. Hair Colorists are skilled in applying various color treatments, such as highlights, lowlights, balayage, and full color. They also ensure the health and integrity of the hair throughout the coloring process, and provide aftercare advice to maintain color vibrancy.
More about Hair Colorist jobs

What cities in Washington are hiring for Hair Colorist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Hair Colorist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Hair Colorist jobs in WA?

For Hair Colorist jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Hair Colorist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hair Colorist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,509 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Hair Stylist Colorist

Metropolis Salon

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Washington, D.C. | $70,000 – $100,000+ Earning Potential
Are you a master stylist colorist who has outgrown your current chair? We are a premier, upscale salon in the heart of Washington, D.C., catering to a high-net-worth clientele who demand the absolute best in bespoke color and dimensional artistry. We don’t just color hair; we curate confidence for DC’s most influential individuals.
We are seeking a High-Performance Hair Color Specialist—an artist who is as business-savvy as they are creative. If you are a top-tier producer ready to command an annual income of $70,000 to $100,000+, your stage is waiting.
Why Join Our Elite Team?
  • Six-Figure Earning Potential: Our average service ticket and high-volume traffic are designed for stylists aiming for $100,000+ per year.
  • 10% Product Commission: Boost your bottom line with a 10% commission on all retail sales, rewarding you for educating your clients on proper home care.
  • The DC Power Base: Work with a sophisticated, loyal, and high-profile clientele in a polished environment that respects the value of luxury chemical services.
  • Mastery-Level Culture: Access advanced education in the latest global color trends and business building. We value professional synergy over ego.
  • Premium Compensation: A highly competitive service commission structure plus premium tips from a clientele that rewards excellence.
What You’ll Do
  • Consult & Architect: Perform high-level consultations that prioritize hair integrity and aesthetic longevity. You will formulate bespoke color profiles that become your signature.
  • Command the Craft: Deliver "Pinterest-perfect" transformations—specializing in advanced balayage, complex corrections, precision blonding, and lived-in luxury color.
  • Curate & Educate: Beyond the service, you will curate the perfect home-care regimen for your clients. With a 10% retail commission, your expertise in product recommendation directly increases your take-home pay.
  • Scale the Business: Utilize your professional charisma to build high retention and manage a high-value book of business.
What You Bring to the Chair
  • Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in a high-end or luxury salon environment.
  • Proven Track Record: A history of high productivity and a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of complex color transformations.
  • Credentials: Valid DC Cosmetology License.
  • The "It" Factor: A polished professional image, exceptional communication, and the ability to build deep trust with elite clients.
The Details
  • Location: On-site (The heart of Washington, D.C.)
  • Income Range: $70,000 – $100,000+
  • The Perks: Service Commission + 10% Retail Commission + Premium Tips
Job Summary: Upscale Hair Stylist
Are you a passionate and experienced Hair Stylist with a knack for creating stunning looks? Do you thrive in an upscale environment and love catering to a discerning clientele? We're seeking a motivated and business-growth-oriented stylist to join our team in Washington D.C. If you're a true team player with a desire to continuously learn and refine your craft, we want to hear from you!
General Accountabilities
As an integral part of our salon, you'll be responsible for:
  • Providing exceptional hair care services, including washing, shampooing, conditioning, cutting, trimming, highlighting, and coloring based on client consultations.
  • Evaluating clients' hair and physical characteristics to recommend personalized styles.
  • Maintaining a pristine and sanitized workstation and ensuring all tools and equipment are properly sanitized after each use.
  • Managing client appointments and payments.
  • Actively pursuing new styles and techniques to stay ahead of industry trends.
Qualifications
  • Education: Successful completion of a cosmetology curriculum.
  • Experience: 3+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Licenses/Certifications: Valid Cosmetology certification is required.
Skills
We're looking for someone with:
  • A passion for continuing stylist education.
  • Advanced skills in cutting and coloring.
  • Exceptional active listening and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong time management and service orientation.
Compensation
This position offers commission and tip pay.
Work Environment
This is an on-site position at our upscale D.C. salon.